Founded in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has firmly established its reputation for producing high-quality watches. Their impressive craftsmanship makes Jaeger-LeCoultre watches difficult for counterfeiters to convincingly replicate. However, if you’re questioning the authenticity of a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch or online listing, here are the biggest red flags to watch out for that will tip you off to a fake.

1. Low-Quality Metals

Jaeger-LeCoultre produces some of the finest luxury watches available and has rigorous standards for its production. To that end, Jaeger-LeCoultre uses only high-quality materials like 18K gold or stainless steel. So if you see any discoloration or scratches that reveal a different metal beneath the plating, this is an immediate red flag the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch in question may be fake.

2. Glue Residue
Jaeger-LeCoultre does not use any glue to assemble their fine watches. However, counterfeiters rely on inexpensive glue to quickly cobble together their imposter Jaeger-LeCoultre watches. So inspect the watch’s edges for any adhesive residue as that is a sure-fire sign of a forgery.

3. Quartz Movement
If you are able to safely open the back of the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, look at its movement. If the movement is quartz, it’s an immediate indication that it’s not a real Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. Authentic Jaeger-LeCoultre watches have a mechanical movement.

4. Jumping Seconds Hand
Finally, the seconds hand on the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch should move in a sweeping motion. If the seconds hand “jumps” or has a loud ticking sound, then the watch is most likely fake.

5. Messy Brand Markings

Read the watch’s engravings. The metal content and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s name should be legibly and cleanly stamped. If the watch’s stamps look sloppy (i.e., the letters run together or the lines are crooked), it’s a strong indicator the piece is not real.

And, this may seem like an obvious sign, but double-check the Jaeger-LeCoultre spelling. It’s surprising how overlooked this crucial red flag is by forgers and unsuspecting shoppers alike.

The face of every Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is stamped with “Swiss Made.” But if you have a watch that reads, “Japanese Movt,” it’s undoubtedly a fake.

6.  A Sketchy Online Seller

Protect yourself from online scam artists selling counterfeit Jaeger-LeCoultre watches by thoroughly researching any potential seller before shopping with them. Read their online reviews. Cross-reference the website on watch forums which frequently post scam warnings or can verify the seller’s credibility.

Comb through the seller’s website and look for a clear return policy and warranty page. Their site should also include their address, contact information and an About Us page. If the website looks incomplete (i.e., pages that say, “Coming Soon” or error pages), it’s best to move on and find a different seller.

The only way to know with absolute certainty if your watch is a fake is to bring it to a trusted jeweler who specializes in watches and ask them to authenticate your Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. For a nominal fee, they will appraise and valuate your watch so you can rest assured the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is genuine.

If you have more questions about how to spot a fake Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, feel free to e-mail us at support@truefacet.com and a concierge associate can walk you through our rigorous authentication process.

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Photo Credit: jaeger-lecoultre.com / mb.nawcc.org / professionalwatches.com / luxuo.com

Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the oldest and most prestigious watch manufacturers today with a history stretch back nearly two centuries. In 1833 Antoine LeCoultre started his watchmaking business in the Swiss town of Le Sentier in Vallee de Joux. Vallee de Joux, the birthplace of Swiss horology, is home to some of the finest watchmakers in Switzerland, including Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet.

Antoine was completely dedicated to refining and improving the watchmaking and timekeeping. In 1844 he developed the millionometer, which allowed him to measure micrometers, or one thousandth or a millimeter. In 1847 he further improved watchmaking once again with the crown winding mechanism, replacing the extraneous winding key. Though Jean-Adrien Philippe of Patek Philippe is also credited with this development, LeCoultre’s crown is now the standard. This is because LeCoultre’s crown also allowed the adjustment of the watch hands.

By 1860, LeCoultre was producing all parts of watches in-house and providing complicated movements, chronographs and calendar movements to other watch manufacturers. In the early 20th century, LeCoultre was the leading watch manufacturer in the Vallee de Joux. In 1903, the watchmaker had produced the flattest movement, and in 1929 produced the smallest watch movement, weighing less than a gram.

In 1903, LeCoultre met French watchmaker Edmond Jaeger, whom brought the Swiss watch company to the luxury market. By 1937, the company name was officially changed to Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches. Jaeger was mostly involved in design work while LeCoultre produced the highest quality movements for the duo. The movements used in these watches are considered some of the best and other top watch manufacturers have also used Jaeger-LeCoultre movements, including Cartier, Audemars Piguet and Panerai.

Photo Credit: jawger-lecoultre.com / ablogtowatch.com